Method for transmitting/receiving portions of an audio signal based on a priority of each portion

ABSTRACT

A position measuring apparatus according to the present invention includes a first position measuring means for position measuring a first position by receiving a first radio wave, a second position measuring means for position measuring a second position by receiving a second radio wave, an evaluating means for evaluating uncertainty of data derived from the first position measuring means and/or the second position measuring means, and a selecting means for selecting data from the first position measuring means or the second position measuring means based on an output signal of the evaluating means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a position measuring systemand/or a navigation system, and more particularly to a system using aGPS. The present invention also relates to a navigation method, aninformation service method, an automotive vehicle, and audio informationtransmitting and receiving method.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Conventionally, a navigation system utilizing a positionmeasuring system using an artificial satellite called a GPS (GlobalPositioning System) have been widely known and have already beenwidespread considerably for use as a vehicle equipped system. Inaddition, a so-called hybrid type navigation system for navigation basedon information from a gyro sensor or the like have also been usedextensively in tunnels, valleys between tall buildings in town, and soon, where a GPS radio wave does not reach from the satellite. A varietyof receivers have been developed for position measuring systems usingsatellite called a GPS other than a vehicle.

[0005] However, while a conventional system demonstrates its performanceto some extent when it can receive a GPS radio wave, it has adisadvantage in that data from a gyro sensor, generated at a place wherea GPS radio wave is not available, include so many accumulative errorsthat they are not worth using. Also, while map matching is frequentlyperformed, this is a mere correction of data so that an absolutemeasuring accuracy cannot be improved thereby. If the matching leads toan erroneous road, a worse result is introduced than without matching.

[0006] In addition, even when the GPS radio wave can be received, itcannot straightforwardly said that a sufficient accuracy can be alwaysprovided since there is a mode for intentionally degrading the accuracyby the administrator of a system (the Department of Defence of theUnited States), and since radio wave conditions may be disturbed by aperturbed ionospheric layer or the like to deteriorate the measuringaccuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the foregoing problemsand provides for absolute position measuring without relying only on theGPS radio wave to achieve high performance at a low cost.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a positionmeasuring apparatus includes a first position measuring means forposition measuring a first position by receiving a first radio wave, asecond position measuring means for position measuring a second positionby receiving a second radio wave, an evaluating means for evaluatinguncertainty of data derived from the first position measuring meansand/or the second position measuring means, and a selecting means forselecting data from the first position measuring means or the secondposition measuring means based on an output signal of the evaluatingmeans.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, anavigation apparatus includes a first position measuring means forposition-measuring a first position by receiving a radio wave from a GPSsatellite, a second position measuring means for portioning a secondposition by receiving a radio wave from a base station of cellartelephone system without transmitting any request signal forposition-measuring to the base station, an evaluating means forevaluating uncertainty of data derived from the first position measuringmeans and/or the second position measuring means, a selecting means forselecting data from the first position measuring means or the secondposition measuring based on an output signal of the evaluating means, adata storage means for storing map data, a display signal generatingmeans for generating a display signal by composing an output signal fromthe selecting means and output data from the data storage means, and adisplay means for displaying the display signal.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a positionmeasuring method includes a first position measuring step for positionmeasuring a first position by receiving a first radio wave, a secondposition measuring step for position measuring a second position byreceiving a second radio wave, evaluating step for evaluatinguncertainty of data derived from the first position measuring stepand/or the second position measuring step, and a selecting step forselecting data from the first position measuring step or the secondposition measuring step based on an output signal of the evaluatingstep.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, anavigation method includes a first position measuring step for positionmeasuring a first position by receiving a radio wave from a GPSsatellite, a second position measuring step for position measuring asecond position by receiving a radio wave from a base station of cellartelephone system without transmitting any request signal for positionmeasuring to the base station, an evaluating step for evaluatinguncertainty of data derived from the first position measuring stepand/or the second position measuring step, a selecting step forselecting data from the first position measuring step or the secondposition measuring step based on an output signal of the evaluatingstep, and a display step for displaying a signal by composing an outputsignal from the selecting step and map data.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, aninformation distribution method includes a request signal receiving stepfor receiving a service request signal from a user, a transmitting stepfor transmitting a musical related information from a base station ofmobile telephone network on a predetermined cell by the service requestsignal, and an audio signal generating step for generating an audiosignal from the musical related information at a subscriber side.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a carapparatus includes a first position measuring means for positionmeasuring a first position by receiving a radio wave from a GPSsatellite, a second position measuring means for position measuring asecond position by receiving a radio wave from a base station of cellartelephone system without transmitting any request signal for positionmeasuring to the base station, an evaluating means for evaluatinguncertainty of data derived from the first position measuring meansand/or the second position measuring means, a selecting means forselecting data from the first position measuring means or the secondposition measuring means based on an output signal of the evaluatingmeans, a data storage means for storing map data, a display signalgenerating means for generating a display signal by composing an outputsignal from the selecting means and an output data from the data storagemeans, and a display means for displaying the display signal.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, an audiosignal transmitting method for an audio signal with a first priority andan audio signal with an n-th priority (n is an integer equal to orgreater than 2.) includes a transmitting step for transmitting the audiosignal with a priority that the priority corresponds an audio signal tobe transmitted in a predetermined order.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of anavigation apparatus of one embodiment according to the presentinvention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a position measuringcondition using the GPS in a suburb;

[0017]FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a radio wavereceiving situation in a city;

[0018]FIGS. 4A to 4C are explanatory diagrams illustrating formats foran ID signal of a PHS base station;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a GPS receiver unit of oneembodiment;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a PHS receiverunit/transmitter unit of one embodiment;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a data receiver unit of oneembodiment and its peripherals;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating position determinationprocessing according to one embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating position determinationprocessing according to another embodiment;

[0024]FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating position measuring processingby using radio waves of base stations according to one embodiment;

[0025]FIGS. 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams illustrating conditionsof the position measuring by using radio waves of base stationsaccording to one embodiment;

[0026]FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating display processing accordingto one embodiment;

[0027]FIGS. 13A to 13D are explanatory diagrams illustrating displayexamples according to one embodiment;

[0028]FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display exampleaccording to one embodiment;

[0029]FIGS. 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams illustrating displayexamples according to one embodiment;

[0030]FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display exampleaccording to one embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating data reception processingaccording to one embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an example ofarrangement of a navigation apparatus according to one embodiment in anautomotive vehicle; and

[0033]FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an example ofarrangement of a navigation apparatus according to one embodiment in anautomotive vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] One embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] First, prior to explaining a specific configuration of thepresent invention, explanation will be given of a position measuringsystem to which the present invention is applied. In the presentinvention, position measuring is performed by a position measuringsystem utilizing an artificial satellite called a GPS, while positionmeasuring is performed using a simplified mobile telephone system calleda PHS (Personal Handyphone System).

[0036]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a situation of a positionmeasuring operation at a location where a GPS wave sufficiently reaches,such as a suburb or the like. There are shown an automotive vehicle orcar 1 with a user therein, and GPS satellites 2 a-2 d, respectively. Inthis state, since radio waves from the four GPS satellites 2 a-2 dsufficiently and favorably reach the location of the user, positionmeasuring at that location can be satisfactorily carried out with dataon three axis x, y, z and a time axis t provided from the foursatellites 2 a-2 d.

[0037]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a situation of radio waves in anurban area, where radio waves from the GPS satellites 2 a, 2 b, and soon are blocked by tall buildings and high way built above the ground orthe like, so that they never reach the location of the user orautomobile 1. However, in recent years, a simplified mobile telephonesystem adopting a digital cordless telephone system has been graduallyconstructed in urban areas. In Japan, such a system is called the PHS,as mentioned above. In the United States, in turn, a similar systemcalled personal communication services (PCS) exists, and similar systemscalled CT2, DECT, and so on also exist in Europe.

[0038] Explaining below the PHS in Japan, PHS base stations 3 a-3 cillustrated in FIG. 3 are installed at intervals of about 100 meters andeach form a cell of a narrow range. Further, due to the nature of thePHS, if a line capacity becomes insufficient due to excessive calls onthe line in an urban area, this problem can be immediately solved byfragmenting the cell. In this event, since narrower cells are formed, itcan be thought that separate cells be positioned, for example, atintervals of 10 meters. While the PHS base stations have been positionedclosely in urban areas, few have been installed in suburban areas.

[0039] Incidentally, a PHS base station transmits an ID signalindicative of its own position and so on. FIG. 4A illustrates that IDsignal, where CS represents a PHS base station, and PS a PHS terminal.Specifically, a company identifying code of 9 bits is transmitted atfirst. Subsequently, an outdoor public additional ID of 33 bits istransmitted, wherein a general call area number of np bits is firsttransmitted, and then an additional ID of the remaining 33-np bits istransmitted. Further, a PS call code of 28 bits is transmitted to call aparticular terminal. FIG. 4B illustrates a code transmitted from a PHSterminal to a PHS base station, as opposed to the above, wherein thecompany identifying code, the outdoor public additional ID, and the PScall code are similar transmitted in the same format but in an oppositeidentification relationship between transmission and reception. FIG. 4Cenlarges a portion of the codes, where the above-mentioned np is 16.Specifically, an exchange unit in a ground public network is specifiedwith the general call area number, and a particular PHS base station isspecified with the additional ID.

[0040] Since such signals are communicated, a base station, from whichthe signals have been transmitted, can be specified on a receivingterminal side by reading the 33-bits outdoor public additional ID.Further, if longitudes, latitudes, and so on indicative of the positionsof individual base stations have previously been stored, the latitudeand the longitude of each base station can be known. Further, it is alsopossible to directly transmit actual latitude and longitude informationsfrom a base station as well as the above-mentioned additional ID.

[0041] A technique applying such an idea is found in Japanese patentpublication No. 8-18501. This document exactly describes a technique forperforming the position measuring using the PHS. Also, Japanese patentpublication No. 6-311093 describes a technique for detecting theposition of a previously installed portable telephone base station toidentify its own current position.

[0042] The above-mentioned techniques, however, have drawbacks.Specifically, since Japanese patent publication No. 8-18501 performs theposition measuring by the use of PHS base stations, the positionmeasuring cannot be performed in suburban areas where no PHS basestations have been installed. As to Japanese patent publication No.6-311093, in turn, since a portable telephone base station transmits aradio wave of large power at a low frequency, a sufficient accuracycannot be ensured for specifying a position.

[0043] In addition, a technique for performing the position measuringbased on both the GPS position measuring and the positions of cellularbase stations is shown in Japanese patent publication No. 6-148308.However, this technique presents a poor position accuracy due to the useof portable telephone base stations, and moreover, a transmissionrequest must be issued from a terminal side every time the positionmeasuring is to be performed.

[0044] The present invention is intended to solve problems of thesepreviously proposed techniques, and the solution of the problems isachieved by an apparatus having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.Explaining below the configuration thereof, a GPS receiver unit 5connected to a GPS antenna 4 receives a GPS signal from a GPS artificialsatellite and decodes position data. A PHS antenna 9 for transmittingand receiving a PHS radio wave to and from a PHS base station is alsoconnected to a PHS receiver unit 6 and a PHS transmitter unit 7 throughan antenna sharing unit 10. The PHS receiver unit 6 performs receptionprocessing for extracting position data of a base station from a PHSsignal received by the antenna 9. The PHS transmitter unit 7, in turn,performs transmission processing for a variety of informations andtransmits the information from the antenna 9 to a base station (notethat the transmitter unit 7 may be omitted).

[0045] The GPS receiver unit 5 is connected to a GPS certainty detectorunit 8 which detects the certainty of a received GPS signal.Specifically, the GPS signal has a coefficient signal called a GDOPsignal (Geometrical Dilution Of Precision signal), added thereto, forindicating geometrical accuracy deterioration, and the processing fordetecting the certainty of the GPS signal is performed by the detectorunit 8 on the basis of this GDOP signal.

[0046] A signal received by the GPS receiver unit 5, a signal receivedby the PHS receiver unit 6, and a signal related to the certaintydetected by the GPS certainty detector unit 8 are supplied to a controlunit 12, serving as a system controller of the apparatus, forcoordinating a variety of informations supplied thereto. The controlunit 12 is connected with a position calculation unit 11 which generatesa specific position from the respective received signals such aslatitude and longitude data. Alternatively, data indicative of aposition such as a sheet number of map may be generated in place of thelatitude and longitude data. In this case, if a signal for positionmeasuring is available from only one of the GPS receiver unit 5 and thePHS receiver unit 6, a position is calculated based on that signal. Onthe other hand, when signals are available from both of them, a signalto be used is selected with reference to the certainty detected by theGPS certainty detector unit 8. More specifically, if the certainty ofthe position measuring using the GPS, detected by the GPS certaintydetector unit 8 is low, the ID of a base station received by the PHSreceiver unit 6 is used to determine the position at which the basestation exists, and the determined position is treated as the positionderived by the position measuring. If the certainty is high, a positionmeasured signal by the GPS is used to calculate the position.Incidentally, if data received by the PHS receiver unit 6 includes mapdata and traffic information, the data is stored in a map data storageunit 14 or the like.

[0047] The control unit 12 is also connected with a display unit 13comprising a liquid crystal display unit or the like, on which displayedare a map image generated by map data read from the map data storageunit 14 and the position of the automotive vehicle itself calculated bythe position calculation unit 11. For the map data storage unit 14, alarge capacity storage means such as a CD-ROM drive or the like may beused. In this case, in this embodiment, absolute positional informationon PHS base stations is stored together with base station ID's inaddition to the map information on roads and so on.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 12 is connected with a key inputdevice 15 and a remote control signal receiver unit 16, so that avariety of commands may be inputted from keys provided as the key inputdevice 15 and a separate remote control unit 17 through a remote controlsignal (electric wave signals and infrared-ray signals).

[0049] The foregoing navigation apparatus of the configurationillustrated in FIG. 1 is arranged in the automotive vehicle 1, forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. More specifically, asillustrated in FIG. 19, the body of the apparatus comprising theposition calculation unit 11, the control unit 12, the map data storageunit 14, and so on is disposed at a predetermined position in anautomotive vehicle 1, such as within its trunk or the like, and the GPSantenna 4 and the PHS antenna 9 are attached at corresponding positionson the vehicle body. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the display unit13 comprising a liquid crystal display unit or the like is positioned infront of a driver's seat 81 of the automotive vehicle such that adriver, when seated at the driver's seat 81, can view a display on thedisplay unit 13. In this case, the liquid crystal display unitconstituting the display unit 13 is also provided with the remotecontrol signal receiver unit 16 so as to receive infrared ray signalsfrom the remote control unit 17. Further, the key input device 15comprising a joy stick or the like is mounted beside a steering wheel82. Furthermore, speaker units 27L, 27R for outputting audio signalsgenerated from received radio broadcast and audio signals from a CDplayer or the like (both not shown) are disposed at predeterminedpositions, such as positions in front of left and right doors. Amicrophone (microphone 58, later described) required as a telephone setmay also be disposed on the display unit 13 or the like. It goes withoutsaying that FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 illustrate an exemplary arrangement andsuch components may be mounted at any other positions within theautomotive vehicle 1.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the GPS receiver unit 5 is explainedwith reference to FIG. 5. The GPS antenna 4 is connected to adown-convertor 31 for converting a signal at 1.57542 GHz from a GPSsatellite into an intermediate frequency signal, and this intermediatefrequency signal is supplied to a voltage comparator 32 for removing ananalog noise included in the received signal. Then, a received signaloutputted by this voltage comparator 32 is supplied to a multiplier 33which multiplies the received signal by a C/A code PN code outputted bya PN code generator 34 corresponding to a C/A code of a GPS to performreverse spreading for a GPS signal transmitted as a spread spectrumsignal to decode desired GPS data. Incidentally, a plurality of channelsof the multipliers 33 and the C/A code PN code generators 34 areprovided such that GPS data from a plurality of satellites can bedecoded at the same time.

[0051] Then, decoded data on the respective channels are sent onto a busline 35. This bus line 35 is connected with a central control unit (CPU)36 for controlling the operation of the GPS receiver unit, with a ROM 37having a decoding operation program stored therein, with a RAM 38 fortemporarily storing data upon decoding or the like, with a clockgenerator 39 for generating a clock for operations of respectivecircuits, and with an interface circuit 40, wherein decoding as the GPSis performed from decoded data on the respective channels based on thecontrol of the central control unit 36 to produce position measureddata. Then, the produced position measured data is supplied to thecontrol unit 12 (see FIG. 1) side connected through the interfacecircuit 40. Incidentally, the GPS receiver unit 5 may utilize a cardtype one having all GPS functions configured on a small-size substrateas a GPS receiver board.

[0052] Next, the PHS receiver unit, the PHS transmitter unit, and theirperipheral configuration will be explained with reference to FIG. 6.Explaining first the reception system, a signal received by the antenna9 is supplied to a reception amplifier 41 through the antenna sharingunit 10 comprising a switch or the like, and an output of this receptionamplifier 41 is supplied to a mixer 43 through a high frequency filter(RF filter) 42. This mixer 43 is supplied with a frequency signalgenerated by a frequency synthesizer 44 corresponding to atransmission/reception frequency (here, transmission and receptionfrequencies are the same and allocated a ⅛GHz band) based on anoscillating output of a temperature compensated type quartz oscillator(TCXO) 45. The received signal and this frequency signal are mixed inthe mixer 43 to produce a first intermediate frequency signal. Then,this first intermediate frequency signal is supplied through a firstintermediate frequency signal filter 46 and an amplifier 47 to a mixer48, where mixing of the first intermediate frequency signal with afrequency signal outputted from an oscillator 49 produces a secondintermediate frequency signal. Then, this second intermediate frequencysignal is supplied to a demodulator circuit 52 through an amplifier 51to perform demodulation based on a transmission scheme.

[0053] Here, a transmission signal of PHS conforms to a scheme called aTDMA scheme (Time Division Multiple Access scheme: time divisionmultiple access scheme) which transmits and receives burst data composedof slots in a time division manner. A demodulated signal is supplied toa time-division multiplex circuit 53 for extracting audio data andcontrol data included in predetermined slots. Then, the extracted audiodata is supplied to an audio processing unit 54 for performingprocessing to convert the audio data into an analog audio signal, andthe produced analog audio signal is outputted from a speaker 55. Also,the extracted control data is supplied to a data processing unit 56. Inthis data processing unit 56, an ID signal of a PHS base station or avariety of service signals, later described, and so on are extractedfrom the received control data, and supplied to the control unit 12 (seeFIG. 1) side from a data output terminal 57.

[0054] As the configuration for the transmission system, an audio signalpicked up by a microphone 58 is supplied to the audio processing unit 54to be converted into digital audio data, and this audio data is suppliedto the time division multiplex circuit 53, and the audio data is placedin a predetermined position in transmission slots. Also, data suppliedfrom the control unit 12 is supplied to the data processing unit 56through a data input terminal 59, and the data subjected to thetransmission processing is supplied to the time division multiplexcircuit 53 and placed in a predetermined position in the transmissionslots.

[0055] Then, burst data configured as transmission slots, generated bythe time division multiplex circuit 53 is supplied to a modulatorcircuit 60 for performing modulation processing for the PHS, and amodulated signal is supplied to a mixer 61. In this mixer 61, themodulated signal is mixed with a frequency signal outputted from thefrequency synthesizer 44 to produce a signal with a transmittingfrequency, and this transmission signal, through a high frequency filter62 and a transmission amplifier 63, is transmitted in wireless fashionfrom the antenna 9 connected to the antenna sharing unit 10 to a PHSbase station.

[0056] Now, explaining a configuration connected to the data processingunit 56 of the PHS terminal illustrated in FIG. 6 with reference to FIG.7, the data processing unit 56 is supplied with data such as a servicerequest signal or the like from the control unit 12 side. Also, receivedpacket data received by this terminal from a base station side andsupplied to the data processing unit 56 is supplied to a received packetprocessing unit 61. Then, data for display within this received packetis supplied to the display unit 13 through the control unit 12 anddisplayed thereon. Also, audio data within the received packet issupplied to an audio output unit 62, subjected to audio outputprocessing therein, and outputted from the left and right speakers 27L,27R. Incidentally, a service signal transmitted from the base stationside may be transmitted, for example, using a free portion within acontrol channel (slot), or using a channel (slot) prepared fortransmitting communication signals.

[0057] Next, determination processing in the control unit 12 of theapparatus of this embodiment when position of the automotive vehicle 1equipped with the apparatus is measured will be explained with referenceto a flow chart of FIG. 8.

[0058] First, the value of GDOP is evaluated on the basis of detectionin the GPS certainty detector unit 8 to judge whether or not it iswithin a predetermined range (step 101), and it is determined that a GPSreceiving condition is satisfactory when it is within the predeterminedrange. When it is determined to be satisfactory, a signal received bythe GPS receiver unit 5 is fetched (step 102), and a positioncalculation is executed in the position calculation unit 11 based on thefetched signal (step 103). Then, the calculated position is decided tobe the current position of the automotive vehicle 1 (step 104).

[0059] Conversely, if it is determined at step 101 that the value ofGDOP is not within the predetermined range, base station ID informationreceived by the PHS receiver unit 6 is fetched (step 105). Then, theposition is calculated in the position calculation unit 11 based on thebase station ID (step 106). In this event, the position calculation isperformed with reference to position data on each base station ID storedin the map data storage unit 14. Then, the calculated position isdecided to be the current position of the automotive vehicle 1 (step107).

[0060] Incidentally, the position determination processing may beexecuted in the processing illustrated in a flow chart of FIG. 9. Inthis example, the position measuring on the base station ID has priorityto the position measuring on the GPS. It is first judged whether or nota PHS base station ID is satisfactorily received (step 111). Then, ifreceived satisfactorily, the base station ID is fetched by the PHSreceiver unit 6 (step 112). Then, the position is obtained frominformation on the base station ID (step 113), and the obtained positionis decided to be the current position (step 114).

[0061] On the other hand, if it is judged at step 111 that the basestation ID is not satisfactorily received, the value of GDOP isevaluated on the basis of detection in the GPS certainty detector unit 8to judge whether or not the value is within a predetermined range (step115), and it is determined that a receiving condition of the GPS issatisfactory if it is within the predetermined range. When it isdetermined to be satisfactory, a signal received by the GPS receiverunit 5 is fetched (step 116), and a position calculation is executed inthe position calculation unit 11 based on the fetched signal (step 117).Then, the calculated position is determined to be the current positionof the automotive vehicle 1 (step 114).

[0062] Conversely, if it is judged at step 115 that the value of GDOP isnot within the predetermined range, position measuring information isnot updated, and the previously measured position is used again (step118). Alternatively, instead of using the previously measured positionas it is, the current position may be estimated from a positionmeasuring history. Further, if no base station ID is received, theposition measuring calculation may be executed even if the value of GDOPis not satisfactory. In this case, a poor position measuring accuracymay be notified by a display on the display unit 13 or the like when thevalue of GDOP is not satisfactory.

[0063] Next, the processing performed for the position calculation inthe position calculation unit 11 based on the PHS base station ID,during the foregoing determinations of positions, will be explained withreference to a flow chart of FIG. 10 and a diagram of FIG. 11 forexplaining a position measuring condition. In this embodiment, when ID'scan be received from a plurality of base stations, accurate positionmeasuring is performed on the basis of the plurality of base stationID's. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, when radio waves fromthree base stations, for example, can be simultaneously received at apredetermined level or higher, three regions exist as regions 1, 2, 3 inwhich radio waves from the three base stations can be received, a regiona1 in which the three regions 1, 2, 3 overlap can be identified, and theregion 1 a can be identified as the current position.

[0064] Similarly, when radio waves from two base stations can bereceived at the predetermined level or higher, the position can beidentified to be in a region b2 in which regions 1, 2 overlap, asillustrated in FIG. 11B, where radio waves from the respective basestations can be received at the predetermined level or higher. In thiscase, when regions in which data on ID's transmitted from the respectivebase stations can be received and decoded at a predetermined error rateor less are regions 1A, 2A, for example, if either of the base stationID's can be decoded, the region b1 or b2 can be identified, therebymaking it possible to more accurately identify the current position.

[0065] Further, when a radio wave from only one base station can bereceived at the predetermined level or higher, it can be identified tobe a position within a region 1 determined by the base station.Furthermore, if the ID of the base station can be decoded at thepredetermined error rate or less, the position can be identified to bewithin a region c1 in which the ID can be decoded at the predeterminederror rate or less. If the ID cannot be decoded at the predeterminederror rate or less, the position can be determined to be within theregion 1 but out of the region c1 (for example, at a position where c2or c3 exists).

[0066] In this embodiment, the processing is performed for identifying aposition in accordance with the number of receivable radio waves of basestations. As illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 10, it is firstjudged during the position calculation whether or not n waves (forexample, three waves) from PHS base stations can be received at apredetermined level or higher at the same position (step 121). Here, ifn waves can be received, the position measuring is performed with the nwaves (the position measuring illustrated in FIG. 11A if n is three, forexample) (step 122). Then, if n waves cannot be received, it is judgedwhether or not n−1 waves (for example, two waves) can be received at thepredetermined level or higher (step 123). Here, if n−1 waves can bereceived, the position measuring is performed with the n−1 waves (theposition measuring illustrated in FIG. 11B if n−1 is two, for example)(step 124). Subsequently, the number of receivable radio waves isdecreased gradually and judgement is made in a similar manner, and it isfinally judged whether or not one wave can be received at thepredetermined level or higher (step 125). Then, if one wave can bereceived, the position measuring is performed with the one wave (theposition measuring illustrated in FIG. 11C) (step 126). Additionally, ifeven one wave cannot be received, a flag indicative of unsatisfactory IDreceiving condition of a PHS base station is set in a memory for judgingin executing the processing program judged by the control unit 12.

[0067] In this way, the position can be calculated from radio waves ofPHS base stations. Alternatively, a current position may be estimated tosome degree from a previous history. For example, if only one wave froma base station can be received, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 11C,when, after first determining the position c2 (this determination may bemade on the GPS side), c1 is determined to be an area in which a basestation ID can be decoded at the predetermined error rate or less, andsubsequently the base station ID cannot be decoded at the predeterminederror rate or less, the current position may be estimated to be theposition c3.

[0068] Next, reception processing in the control unit 12 for a servicesignal transmitted from a PHS base station in the apparatus of thisembodiment, will be explained with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 12and display examples of FIG. 13-FIG. 16. First, as illustrated in theflow chart of FIG. 12, it is judged whether or not a data signal otherthan an audio signal exists within PHS received signals (step 131).Then, if no data signal other than the audio signal is found, theservice signal reception processing is ended. Conversely, if any servicesignal is found, it is judged whether or not the signal is trafficinformation such as traffic jam information, closed street information,construction information, or the like (step 132). Here, if it is trafficinformation, a traffic information display operation is performed (step133). As this display processing, pertinent traffic information 13 b isdisplayed, for example, on the screen of the display unit 13 in the formof characters or the like, as illustrated in FIG. 13A. Alternatively, atraffic jam section 13 a or the like is demonstrated on a displayed roadmap. The demonstration of a traffic jam section in this case indicatesthat the currently forwarding direction only is in a jam. Alternatively,the display of traffic information in the form of characters and a mapmay be made only when a section indicated by the traffic information isin the forwarding direction, instead of all information being displayedany time on the display unit 13, when received.

[0069] Turning back to the flow chart of FIG. 12, if it is determined atstep 132 that the signal is not traffic information, it is next judgedwhether or not the signal is weather information (step 134). Here, if itis determined to be weather information, the weather information isdisplayed (step 135). As this display processing, weather forecast 13 cor the like is displayed in a corner of a road map, as illustrated inFIG. 13B.

[0070] Conversely, if it Is determined at step 134 that the signal isnot weather information, it is next judged whether or not the signal isa special news (step 136). Here, if it is determined to be a specialnews, the received special news is displayed in the form of characters13 d or the like in a corner of the screen on which a map or the like isdisplayed, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13C (step 137).

[0071] Conversely, if it is determined at step 136 that it is not aspecial news, it is next judged whether or not the signal is informationsuch as advertisements, events, or the like (information on tourism,information on events at stores, and so on near the current position)(step 138). Here, if it is determined to be information such asadvertisements, events or the like, associated information is displayedin the form of characters 13 e in a corner of the screen on which a mapor the like is displayed, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13D (step139).

[0072] Conversely, if it is determined at step 138 that it is notinformation such as advertisements, events, or the like, it is nextjudged whether or not the signal is routing information (step 140).Here, if it is routing information, processing such as displaying theroute or the like is performed (step 141). Incidentally, this routinginformation is such that current position information and destinationinformation, for example, are transmitted from the apparatus of thisembodiment to a PHS base station side, a routing computation isperformed on a traffic information center (not shown) connected to thebase station side, and information on the computed route is returned tothe apparatus using a channel of the PHS. In this way, appropriaterouting information can be provided for avoiding traffic jam based onlatest information.

[0073] Incidentally, if audio signals are provided instead of displaysignals as these service signals, the audio (a speech indicating atraffic jam section or the like) may be outputted from a speaker.

[0074] Alternatively, interactive communications may be performed forproviding information in response to a request from the apparatus sideso as to acquire necessary information. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 14, a menu screen 13 f is displayed in a corner of a map or thelike by a service signal transmitted from a base station side, and aremote control signal (infrared ray signal), serving as a selectionsignal, is transmitted from the remote control unit 17 to the receiverunit 16 by predetermined key manipulations on up and down selectionkeys, an enter key 17 a and so on disposed on the remote control unit17. Incidentally, an item selected within the menu screen 13 f may beidentified by giving it a different size or color from other items or byblinking the item. Then, a signal for selecting a predetermined itemwithin the menu is transmitted from the transmitter unit 7 to the basestation side through the transmission of the selection signal, anddetailed data on the associated item is returned from the base station.Information provided in this way may be other information such asdetailed news for supplementing the aforementioned special news, sportnews, or the like.

[0075] In addition, services related to music may also be provided inthe interactive services as mentioned above. For example, an itemdisplayed as “Best Ten of This Week” is selected on the menu screen asillustrated in FIG. 14, and information on titles of music of “Best Tenof This Week” is acquired as illustrated in FIG. 15A, and a display 13 gof the information is provided. Then, by further selecting a title fromthe titles displayed, information on the selected music is received fromthe base station side, the music is outputted from speakers, and itstext 13 h is displayed within the screen as illustrated in FIG. 15B. Inthis event, the output from the speakers may be instrumental musiccalled “karaoke” instead of the music including the song. Incidentally,the speakers for outputting the music are preferably implemented by highperformance speakers for so-called high fidelity specification preparedfor car stereo (left and right speakers 27L, 27R illustrated in FIG. 18or the like) so as to reproduce the music in a good sound quality. Inthis way, this service may be utilized to always reproduce latest hitmusic only with menu manipulations, whereas conventionally, medias(compact discs and so on) must be purchased quite frequently forenjoying latest hit music, thereby requiring a huge cost, a large numberof steps, and a depository.

[0076] Alternatively, by interactive communications through a basestation, so-called personal computer communications such as Internet orthe like may be performed to display acquired information on the displayunit 13 or the like. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, apredetermined computer communication center is linked by communicationsthrough a base station to display acquired image information 13 itogether with a road map or the like within the screen. Alternatively,in this case, the road map may be erased to display information such asInternet or the like over the entire screen.

[0077] Incidentally, when computer communications are performed such asInternet or the like, the transmission speed may be accidentally reduceddue to a variety of causes. However, even in such a case, if data to bereceived is music data, the music can be transmitted without damagingits real time nature by generating a data stream while a portion of thedata is missing. As the processing for this case, for example, asillustrated in FIG. 17, a packet is received (step 151), and it isjudged whether or not a reception speed of the received packet is at adesired rate or higher (step 152). If it is at the desired rate orhigher, communication reception processing is performed (step 153), anddata output processing is performed (step 154). Conversely, if it is notat the desired rate or higher, a data stream is generated at everypredetermined time while a portion of data is missing (step 155), andthe data output processing may be performed for the generated stream.

[0078] By thus processing, the data transmission is divided, forexample, into reproducing frequency bands of the music signal and itsassociated data (text data) as follows, and they are transmitted with adefinite priority from the above in the following manner (1) to (7),thereby favorably reproducing the music:

[0079] (1) L+R component at 3 kHz or lower;

[0080] (2) L−R component at 3 kHz or lower;

[0081] (3) text data;

[0082] (4) L+R component in a range of 3 to 6 kHz;

[0083] (5) L−R component in a range of 3 to 6 kHz;

[0084] (6) L+R component in a range of 6 to 15 kHz; and

[0085] (7) L−R component in a range of 6 to 15 kHz;

[0086] Incidentally, the L+R component is a signal (monaural component)having a component generated by synthesizing left and right signals ofstereo music signals, and the L−R component is a difference signalbetween the left and right stereo music signals.

[0087] By thus transmitting the components with the definite priority,for example, the music can be reproduced in monaural with a minimummusic quality when at least data of (1) can be received; stereoreproduction is available when data up to (2) can be received; the textcan be displayed when data up to (3) can be received; and the reproducedmusic quality is gradually improved as data with lower priorities can bereceived. In this way, a so-called graceful degradation can be realized.

[0088] Incidentally, in the foregoing embodiment, the GPS is used as theposition measuring using a signal received from a satellite and the PHSis used as a mobile telephone system, however, it goes without sayingthat other satellite position measuring system and mobile telephonesystem may also be applied.

[0089] According to the present invention, since both the positionmeasuring by using satellites and the position measuring by using radiowaves of mobile telephone base stations are performed, results of theposition measuring by using satellites are used in a area such as asuburban area or the like where radio waves from satellites can besatisfactorily received, while results of the position measuring byusing radio waves of cellular mobile telephone base stations are used inan urban area, a tunnel, or the like, whereby highly accurate positionmeasuring can be achieved at any site.

[0090] Also, when the position measuring is performed by using radiowaves from mobile telephone base stations, the position measuring withtwo waves from two stations, and the position measuring with three wavesfrom three stations can be performed in addition to the positionmeasuring with one wave from one station, so that the position measuringcan be achieved, while ensuring a certain degree of accuracy, even if asmall number of base station radio waves can only be received.

[0091] Further, since the ID's of mobile telephone base stations areutilized for the position measuring, positional information can beprovided without any transmission request from the user.

[0092] Further, since the position measuring by using satellites and theposition measuring by using radio waves of cellular mobile telephonebase stations are both in absolute positioning scheme, a distance sensorand an azimuth sensor, as required by conventional hybrid typenavigation apparatuses, are eliminated, and error accumulation, found inthese relative position measuring schemes, never occurs.

[0093] Further, since the position measuring is performed withoututilizing vehicle speed pulses on the vehicle side, the presentinvention does not at all require complicated and difficult works fordismounting internal parts of the automotive vehicle to make the pulseavailable.

[0094] Further, since information such as traffic information, weatherinformation, and so on can be provided as data from existing mobiletelephone base stations, a dedicated transmission/reception system fortraffic information and so on is not required. On the user side, it isnot necessary to provide a dedicated receiver for traffic information,while on the system administration side, a dedicated infrastructure isnot required, thereby reducing facility investment.

[0095] Further, a portion for communicating with mobile telephone basestations can also be used as a normal mobile telephone terminal, so thatits application is extended as a terminal. Also, in the mobile telephonesystem called a PHS, since a telephone call is difficult to make duringhigh speed movements, the driver will not call while driving, as is thecase of ordinary portable telephones, thus contributing also to safedriving.

[0096] Further, new services can also be provided by connecting avariety of information services, music services, and so on such asInternet or the like.

[0097] Having described preferred embodiments of the present inventionwith reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood thatthe present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodimentsand that various changes and modifications can be effected therein byone skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of thepresent invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Position measuring apparatus comprising; a firstposition measuring means for position measuring a first position byreceiving a first radio wave; a second position measuring means forposition measuring a second position by receiving a second radio wave;an evaluating means for evaluating uncertainty of data derived from saidfirst position measuring means and/or said second position measuringmeans; and a selecting means for selecting data from said first positionmeasuring means or said second position measuring means based on anoutput signal of said evaluating means.
 2. Position measuring apparatusas claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second position measuringmeans receive radio wave without transmitting a data request signal. 3.Position measuring apparatus as claimed fin claim 2 , wherein said firstposition measuring means receives a radio wave from a satellite, andsaid second position measuring means receives a radio wave not from asatellite.
 4. Position measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 3 ,wherein said first position measuring means receives a radio wave from aGPS satellite, and said second position measuring means receives a radiowave from a base station of mobile telephone network.
 5. Positionmeasuring apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said evaluatinguncertainty of data is executed using a GDOP signal in a GPS system. 6.Position measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein saidevaluation uncertainty of data is executed using a position signal fromsaid base station of mobile telephone network.
 7. Position measuringapparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said second position measuringmeans determines a position by using one and/or two and/or three radiowave(s).
 8. Position measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , whereinsaid second position measuring means determine a position by using adecoded signal and a signal strength of a received signal.
 9. Positionmeasuring apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said first positionmeasuring means is utilized only in a case that a condition of areceived signal form said second position measuring mens is nosatisfactory.
 10. Position measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 4 ,wherein said second position measuring means further comprises, forenabling not only position measuring but also communicating, a soundsignal processing means for processing an audio signal to communicate ina voice signal, and a transmitting means for transmitting an RF signalmodulated by an output signal of said sound signal processing means. 11.Position measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said secondposition measuring means further comprises a data receiving means forreceiving transmitted data which includes not only an identificationsignal of a base station but also other data signal, and a displayingmeans for displaying an output signal of said data receiving means. 12.Position measuring apparatus from a position of plural referencestations comprising; a receiving means for receiving plural radio wavesfrom plural reference stations, a position measuring means forportioning by said received plural radio wave, wherein said positionmeasuring means determines a position by using a decoded signal and asignal strength of a received signal.
 13. Navigation apparatuscomprising: a first position measuring means for position-measuring afirst position by receiving a radio wave from a GPS satellite; a secondposition measuring means for portioning a second position by receiving aradio wave from a base station of cellar telephone system withouttransmitting any request signal for position-measuring to said basestation; an evaluating means for evaluating uncertainty of data derivedfrom said first position measuring means and/or said second positionmeasuring means; a selecting means for selecting data from said firstposition measuring means or said second position measuring based on anoutput signal of said evaluating means; a data storage means for storingmap data; a display signal generating means for generating a displaysignal by composing an output signal from said selecting means andoutput data from said data storage means; and a display means fordisplaying said display signal.
 14. Navigation apparatus as claimed inclaim 13 , wherein said second position measuring means determines aposition by using a decoded signal and a signal strength of a receivedsignal.
 15. Navigation apparatus as claimed in claim 13 , wherein saidsecond position measuring means further comprises, for enabling not onlyposition measuring but also communicating, a sound signal processingmeans for processing an audio signal to communicate in a voice signal,and a transmitting means for transmitting an RF signal modulated by anoutput signal of said sound signal processing means.
 16. Navigationapparatus as claimed in claim 13 , wherein said second positionmeasuring means further comprises a data receiving means for receivingtransmitted data which includes not only an identification signal of abase station but also other data signal, and a displaying means fordisplaying an output signal of said data receiving means.
 17. Navigationapparatus as claimed in claim 16 , wherein said other data signal and asignal which is displayed included traffic information.
 18. Navigationapparatus as claimed in claim 16 , wherein said other data signal and asignal which is displayed include weather information.
 19. Navigationapparatus claimed in claim 16 , wherein said other data signal and asignal which is displayed include news information.
 20. Navigationapparatus as claimed in claim 16 , wherein said other data signal and asignal which is displayed include advertisement information. 21.Navigation apparatus as claimed in claim 16 , wherein an image of saiddisplaying an output signal is overlapped to an image of said map. 22.Navigation apparatus as claimed in claim 16 , wherein an image of saiddisplaying an output signal is displayed to another region from an imageof said map.
 23. Navigation apparatus comprising: a first positionmeasuring means for position measuring a first position by receiving aradio wave from a GPS satellite; a second position measuring means forposition measuring a second position by receiving a radio wave from abase station of cellar telephone system without transmitting any requestsignal for position measuring to said base station; an evaluating meansfor evaluating uncertainty of data derived from said first positionmeasuring means and/or said second position measuring means; a selectingmeans for selecting data from said first position measuring means orsaid second position measuring means based on an output signal of saidevaluating means; a data storage means for storing map data; a displaysignal generating means for generating a display signal by composing anoutput signal from said selecting means and output data from said datastorage means; a display means for displaying said display signal; aninput means for entering a request from an user; a service requestsignal transmitting means for transmitting a service request signal to arequest predetermined service except position measuring based on anoutput signal of said input means; a service signal receiving means forreceiving a service information transmitted corresponding to saidservice request signal; and an output means for making an output signalfrom an output signal of said service signal receiving means. 24.Navigation apparatus as claimed in claim 23 , wherein said servicerequest signal is a route searching request signal, and said outputmeans is the same to said display means and a route is shown overlappedto said map.
 25. Navigation apparatus as claimed in claim 23 , whereinsaid service is a musical related service, and said output meansgenerates an audio signal.
 26. Navigation apparatus as claimed in claim25 , wherein character information is simultaneously displayed at thetime when said audio signal is generated.
 27. Navigation apparatus asclaimed in claim 23 , wherein said service is a connecting service to acomputer network.
 28. Navigation apparatus as claimed in claim 25 ,wherein said output means generates an information at the time when apredetermined time has passed even if a transferred information is notenough.
 29. Navigation apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein saidoutput means generates an information with priority.
 30. Positionmeasuring method comprising steps of: a first position measuring stepfor position measuring a first position by receiving a first radio wave;a second position measuring step for position measuring a secondposition by receiving a second radio wave, evaluating step forevaluating uncertainty of data derived from said first positionmeasuring step and/or said second position measuring step; and aselecting step for selecting data from said first position measuringstep or said second position measuring step based on an output signal ofsaid evaluating step.
 31. Position measuring method as claimed in claim30 , wherein said first and second position measuring steps receive aradio wave without transmitting a data request signal.
 32. Positionmeasuring method as claimed in claim 31 , wherein in said first positionmeasuring step a radio wave from a satellite is received, and in saidsecond position measuring step a radio wave not from a satellite isreceived.
 33. Position measuring method as claimed in claim 32 , whereinin said first position measuring step a radio wave from GPS satellite isreceived, and in said second position measuring step a radio wave from abase station of mobile telephone network is received.
 34. Positionmeasuring method from a position of plural reference station comprisingsteps of: a receiving step for receiving plural radio waves from pluralreference stations; a position measuring step for position measuring bysaid received plural radio wave, wherein in said position measuring stepa position is determined by using a decoded signal and a signal strengthof a received signal.
 35. Navigation method comprising steps of: a firstposition measuring step for position measuring a first position byreceiving a radio wave from a GPS satellite; a second position measuringstep for position measuring a second position by receiving a radio wavefrom a base station of cellar telephone system without transmitting anyrequest signal for position measuring to said base station; anevaluating step for evaluating uncertainty of data derived from saidfirst position measuring step and/or said second position measuringstep; a selecting step for selecting data from said first positionmeasuring step or said second position measuring step based on an outputsignal of said evaluating step; and a display step for displaying asignal by composing an output signal from said selecting step and mapdata.
 36. Navigation method as claimed in claim 35 , wherein in saidsecond position measuring step a position is determined by using adecoded signal and a signal strength of a received signal. 37.Navigation method as claimed in claim 35 further comprising: a step ofcommunicating step for communicating, wherein said communicating stepcomprises sound signal processing step for processing an audio signal tocommunicate in a voice signal, and transmitting step for transmitting anRF signal modulated by an output signal of said sound signal processingstep.
 38. Navigation method as claimed in claim 35 further comprising astep of; a data receiving step for receiving a transmitted data whichincludes not only an identification signal of base station but alsoother data signal; and a displaying step for displaying an output signalof said data receiving step.
 39. Navigation method comprising steps of:a first position measuring step for position measuring a first positionby receiving a radio wave form a GPS satellite; a second positionmeasuring step for position measuring a second position by receiving aradio wave from a base station of cellar telephone system withouttransmitting any request signal for position measuring to said basestation; an evaluating step for evaluation uncertainty of data derivedfrom said first position measuring step and/or said second portioningstep; a selecting step for selecting data from said first positionmeasuring step or said second position measuring step based on an outputsignal of said evaluating step; a display signal generating step forgenerating a display signal by composing an output signal from saidselecting step and output map data from a data storage means; a displaystep for displaying said display signal; an input step for receiving anentering request from an user; a service request signal transmittingstep for transmitting a service request signal to a requestpredetermined service except position measuring based on an outputsignal of said input step; a service signal receiving step for receivingservice information transmitted corresponding to said service requestsignal; and an output step for making an output signal from an outputsignal of said service signal receiving step.
 40. Navigation method asclaimed in claim 39 , wherein said service information is a musicalrelated information, and said output step generates an audio signal. 41.Navigation method as claimed in claim 40 , wherein in said output stepthere is generated an information at the time when a predetermined timehas passed even if a transferred information is not enough. 42.Information distribution method comprising steps of: a request signalreceiving step for receiving a service request signal from a user; atransmitting step for transmitting a musical related information from abase station of mobile telephone network on a predetermined cell by saidservice request signal; and an audio signal generating step forgenerating an audio signal from said musical related information at asubscriber side.
 43. Car apparatus comprising; a first positionmeasuring means for position measuring a first position by receiving aradio wave from a GPS satellite; a second position measuring means forposition measuring a second position by receiving a radio wave from abase station of cellar telephone system without transmitting any requestsignal for position measuring to said base station; an evaluating meansfor evaluating uncertainty of data derived from said first positionmeasuring means and/or said second position measuring means; a selectingmeans for selecting data from said first position measuring means orsaid second position measuring means based on an output signal of saidevaluating means; a data storage means for storing map data; a displaysignal generating means for generating a display signal by composing anoutput signal from said selecting means and an output data from saiddata storage means; and a display means for displaying said displaysignal.
 44. Car apparatus comprising: a first position measuring meansfor position measuring a first position by receiving a radio wave from aGPS satellite; a second position measuring means for portioning a secondposition by receiving a radio wave from a base station of cellartelephone system without transmitting any request signal for positionmeasuring to said base station; an evaluating means for evaluatinguncertainty of data derived from said first position measuring meansand/or said second position measuring means; a selecting means forselecting data from said first position measuring means or said secondposition measuring means based on an output signal of said evaluatingmeans; a data storage means for storing map data; a display signalgenerating means for generating a display signal by composing an outputsignal from said selecting means and an output data from said datastorage means; a display means for displaying said display signal; aninput means for entering a request from an user; a service requestsignal transmitting means for transmitting a service request signal to arequest predetermined service except position measuring based on anoutput signal of said input means; a service signal receiving means forreceiving a service information transmitted corresponding to saidservice request signal; and an output means for making an output signalfrom an output signal of said service signal receiving means.
 45. Audiosignal transmitting method for an audio signal with a first priority andan audio signal with an n-th priority (n is an integer equal to orgreater than 2.) comprising a step of: a transmitting step fortransmitting said audio signal with a priority that said prioritycorresponds an audio signal to be transmitted in a predetermined order.46. Audio signal transmitting method as claimed in claim 45 , whereinsaid predetermined order is an order corresponding between said priorityand a frequency band of said audio signal.
 47. Audio signal transmittingmethod as claimed in claim 45 , wherein said predetermined order is anorder corresponding between said priority and a kind of informationwhether main or sub information related to said audio signal.
 48. Audiosignal transmitting method as claimed in claim 45 , wherein saidpredetermined order is an order corresponding between said priority anda kind of information whether added or subtracted component of saidaudio signal.
 49. Audio signal receiving method comprising steps of: areceiving step for receiving a signal; a detecting step for detection acondition of a received signal; a utilizing step for utilizinginformation which has higher priority than a predetermined level basedon a result of said detecting step.
 50. Audio signal receiving method asclaimed in claim 49 , wherein said information which has a higherpriority than a predetermined level corresponds to a frequency band ofsaid audio signal.
 51. Audio signal receiving method as claimed in claim49 , wherein said information which has a higher priority than apredetermined level is corresponded to a kind of information whethermain or sub information related to said audio signal.
 52. Audio signalreceiving method as claimed in claim 49 , wherein said information whichhas a higher priority than a predetermined level is corresponded to akind of information whether added or subtracted component of said audiosignal.